The Pastor Protection Law, SB 2065, passed the Texas Legislature with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 11, 2015. This new law protects Texas pastors, clergy, churches, religious organizations, and their employees from being forced to solemnize, perform, or celebrate a marriage that violates their religious beliefs. Nor can they be forced to provide services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage if the action would cause the organization or individual to violate their religious beliefs.
Texas Values’ legislative advocacy arm, Texas Values Action, was the architect of this new law and the lead group in pushing and working for its successful passage. This historic effort was made possible by the involvement and leadership of hundreds of Pastors across Texas – all committed to preserving our most precious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment. Please join our effort to spread the word about the new Pastor Protection Law to ensure Texas pastors and churches can continue to proclaim the truth about marriage.
Download SummaryOn June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court trampled the votes of millions of Americans and Texans who voted to affirm that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. With its unlawful decision imposing same-sex ‘marriage’ on all 50 states, the Court has committed the most egregious form of judicial activism of our time and assaulted our freedom to democratically address society’s most fundamental institution.
In light of the Court’s attack on marriage, the Pastor Protection Law will become increasingly important in protecting the First Amendment religious freedom rights of Texas pastors and churches. Just in the days since the decision, anti-religious freedom advocates have called for eliminating church tax exemptions and targeting conservative Christian pastors and churches. Every Texan now has a choice – will you join our stand for marriage and religious freedom or will you give up the fight for truth?
I am committed to standing for marriage as the sacred union of one man and one woman, educating my fellow Texans on the Pastor Protection Law, and working to preserve the religious freedom of every Texan. Everyone should have the right to live out their faith consistent with the truth about marriage without fear of government punishment or persecution.
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